Anti-Pathogenic Hand Sanitization Station

ABSTRACT

An anti-pathogenic hand sanitizing station is disclosed without any need for plumbing to a central water source. The anti-pathogenic hand sanitizing station includes a sink unit having a back wall extending vertically upward from the sink unit, a hand wash station having a supply of fresh water in communication with the free standing anti-pathogenic sink unit, a soap dispenser emanating from the back wall and accessible from the hand sink, a hand sanitizer dispenser, also emanating vertically from back wall and also accessible from the hand sink, a source for disposable towels to dry one&#39;s hand after washing; and a waste bin for disposal of disposable products.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/148,456 filed on Feb. 11, 2021.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR ASA TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (EFS WEB)

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINTINVENTOR

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to hand sanitizing station, methods ofmanufacturing same, and methods of using same. More particularly, theinvention relates to an anti-pathogenic freestanding hand sanitizingstation.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Conventional hand cleaning sinks are obviously well known in the art,including one of the most common types of plumbed in sinks in homes,commercial institutions and offices, i.e. a way to wash one's hands thatincludes a source of water, some soap and a means for drying one'shands.

However, during the COVED-19 crisis, practitioners of those age oldinventions have become aware of certain problems which are presented bythose prior art inventions. One particular problem that has plaguedusers has been that a readily available plumbed source of water is notalways available. There are complexities which give rise to much greaterneeds to kill viruses on one's hands before their face is touched, whichhappens, on average, 23 times every hour. Since virus COVID-19 istransmitted so easily, medical advice dictates that one should washtheir hands every half hour.

Clearly, access to a hand sanitizing station is more important than everto prevent the spread of COVID-19. Since one does not always have easyaccess to a sink with soap and water, people use individually packagedliquid alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill the virus.

It would be of a great advantage to the general public, and especiallythe medical, restaurant and work environment industries if there wasprovided a free standing hand sanitation unit, and method of making one,as well as a method of effectively using one for killing the COVID-19virus on one's hands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the above-noted advantages and desires of theindustry, the present invention provides a free standing anti-pathogenicsink unit, a method of making same, and a method of using it. Thisincludes a hand wash station having a supply of fresh water, a soapdispenser, a hand sanitizer dispenser, a source for towels to dry one'shand after washing, and a waste bin for disposal of disposable products.This overcomes many of the aforementioned problems with the prior artbecause the present free standing anti-pathogenic sink unit, includesall these features, but without any need for plumbing to a central watersource.

One specific preferred aspect has certain features including theportability aspect and the efficacy of products being dispensed that areneeded to stop the spread of COVID-19 virus in remote locations. Anintegral foot pump may be included to pump water up from a reservoircontained within the free standing anti-pathogenic sink unit, such thathand washing is enabled. The contaminated gray water generated is thendisposed of in any number of ways, such as vacuuming it up from thedrainage reservoir, or even decontaminating it with an anti-viral likebleach.

Another preferred aspect includes a two sink application forsimultaneous use by two people. Such a two-person hand wash station willhave two sinks, back to back, with other optional features including avirus bather shield extending upwardly between the two sinks to providephysical distancing between the two people using the sinks. The virusbarrier shield may be transparent/translucent, or it may include anopaque quality look for visual separation or it may include a mirroredsurface for grooming.

The invention is particularly useful for applications of outdoor events,voting and polling stations, and any other place where there is animmediate need for decontaminating one's hands before making contactwith hard surfaces which will be touched by another person thereafter.

Although the invention will be described by way of examples hereinbelowfor specific aspects having certain features, it must also be realizedthat minor modifications that do not require undo experimentation on thepart of the practitioner are covered within the scope and breadth ofthis invention. Additional advantages and other novel features of thepresent invention will be set forth in the description that follows andin particular will be apparent to those skilled in the art uponexamination or may be learned within the practice of the invention.Therefore, the invention is capable of many other different aspects andits details are capable of modifications of various aspects which willbe obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art all without departingfrom the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the rest of thedescription will be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature and advantages of the expectedscope and various aspects of the present invention, reference shall bemade to the following detailed description, and when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts aregiven the same reference numerals, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a free standing anti-pathogenicsink unit made in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a side elevational view of the free standinganti-pathogenic sink unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a perspective view of the virus barriershield;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the free standing anti-pathogenicsink unit of FIG. 1 shown opened up for servicing;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of another aspect of a two-person thefree standing anti-pathogenic sink unit; and

FIG. 6 shows a multiple station version of the free standinganti-pathogenic sink unit made in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings in detail, FIG. 1 is a front perspectiveview of a free standing anti-pathogenic sink unit made in accordancewith the present invention, where the sink unit is generally indicatedby the numeral 10 with a sink 14 having a drain hole 18 at its bottom.Also included may be a soap or hand sanitizer dispenser 12. A faucet 16dispenses water when pumped by foot pump 20. After the hand washing isfinished, paper towels from paper towel dispenser 22 may be used forhand drying. In operation, someone will approach the sink unit, dispensesoap and then begin hand washing. The resulting grey water can either becontained for sanitary disposal with indoor applications, or for outdoorapplications, it may be released directly to the ground. For indoorapplications, a rolling grey water tank may be removed from the sinkunit and taken to a sanitary sewer access for proper discharge. Waterfrom faucet 16 is pumped up and then used to rinse their hands and papertowels can be used to dry. In most aspects, a removable waste bin (notshown here, but shown in further aspects) is used to collect discardedpaper towels after use.

FIG. 2 shows a two person sink unit, generally denoted by the numeral30, with two first and second sinks 32 and 34 respectively. Paper toweldispensers 36 are mounted for ease of use on top of sink unit separator42, the paper towel dispensers being located for easy access. Waterfilling channels 40 are easily accessed to replenish a fresh water tankcontained therein (not shown here).

FIG. 3 is an exemplary barrier shield 50 designed to be fitted on sinkunit separator 42 of FIG. 2. Such a virus barrier shield includes ascreen 52 which may extend upwardly between the two sinks to providephysical distancing between the two people using the sinks. Virusbarrier shield screen 52 not only acts as a biologic shield, it alsoacts as a back splash protector. Supports 54 may include at least oneindent 56 for press fitting down onto the sink separator 42 of FIG. 2.This virus barrier shield may be transparent/translucent, or it mayinclude an opaque quality look for visual separation or it may include amirrored surface for grooming. I also envision that a soap dispenser ora hand sanitizer dispenser may be mounted on the virus barrier shield52, as well as a paper towel dispenser.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the free standing anti-pathogenicsink unit of FIG. 1 shown opened up for servicing. Sink unit 60 withsink drains 62. Soap pump orifice 64 includes feed tubes for dippinginto a liquid soap reservoir, such that when soap is needed, pumpingbrings soap up to the surface. Waste water tank 66 receives the usedgrey water from the sink drains 62 after use. A stainless steel lidlatch 68 is used to release the top of the sink unit 60. Foot pump 70 isused to bring water up through the faucet, shown in other aspects. Anoptional waste bin 72 may be suspended from the side of the unit tocollect used paper towels. Water filling channel 74 is located above thefresh water reservoir for ease of refilling. At least one support strap76 is attached to the lid to prevent unwanted motion of the lid. Drainlines 78 direct used grey water into wastewater tank 66.

FIG. 5 illustrates yet another aspect of the present invention, showingan assembled two person sanitation unit 80 in a closed position, withtwo dedicated sinks 82 in opposing positions. In this aspect, faucet 84comes out of the sink separator. Soap dispenser 86 may alternativelydispense soap or 60% alcohol hand sanitizer liquid. Again, using footpump 88 brings water from the freshwater reservoir inside the sink unit80 for rinsing of hands after washing. Paper towel dispenser 90 providesfresh paper towels, and waste bin 92 may collect used towels. M As shownin FIG. 4, a lid latch 94 is used to unhook the lid from its base unitfor servicing.

Looking lastly to FIG. 6, there is shown a multiple station sink unit,including a multiplicity of sink units 100. As can be seen from thisfigure, a barrier shield may prove useful attached to the separation 102between the units, as well as being mounting under the paper toweldispensers. These sinks can be placed side to side for an unlimitednumber of dual hand wash stations.

While the units described hereinabove are preferably made ofpolyethylene, fiberglass, aluminum, wood or any other suitable material,a coating or impregnation of anti-pathogenic properties or fragrances inthe manufacturing materials can be used to also build portable hand washstations, laboratory buildings, comfort stations and hand sanitizers.Since this portable freestanding anti-pathogenic hand sanitation systemmay be used both inside and outdoors, such use of materials will provideresistance to outdoor elements.

In addition to having our outdoor element resistance, a number ofmaterials may be added to the construction materials, includingfragrances, antimicrobial materials, and/or ultra-violet stabilizers.Various additives may be incorporated into master batches of polymersprior to manufacturing. Among many other suppliers, such materials arecommercially available from Wells Plastics Limited of the UnitedKingdom, and may include compositions such as Oxo—biodegradabletechnologies to accelerate the environmental degradation after use.Highly effective ranges of antimicrobial additive concentrates arecommercially available as a variety of polymer carriers and powderdispersions.

In these times of COVID-19 virus threats, keeping everyone safe is ofutmost importance, so use of hand washing in a safe environment is moreimportant than ever. In that regard, suitable plastics or metalmaterials used in the fabrication of the present invention may includeresins or polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurea,polyurethane, or other suitable plastic materials. Depending on thedesired application, hand sink may include, or may be coated with, anynumber of suitable anti-microbial materials, including such coatingssuch as Microban®, commercially available from Jon-Don Corporation ofChicago, Ill. Furthermore, a low concentration metallic silver componentmay be included or coated on my device for anti-microbial action inconcentrations of from 0.001% percent by weight to 5% percent by weightof the total fabrication weight of material.

While other suitable anti-bacterial components may be utilized within orcoated on the resin to accomplish this anti-microbial action, metalfabrication may be coated or plated with copper and its alloys, such asbrasses, bronzes, copper, nickel, copper-nickel-zinc, and others; silverand silver containing alloys; zinc and zinc pyrion coatings on eitherplastic or metal; organosilanes; or other metallic antimicrobialmaterials. Silver compounds and silver ions may be incorporated into apolymeric construct material for the present hand sink to showantimicrobial properties. As a preferable aspect of the presentinvention, it has been shown that silver ions prevent DNA replicationand affect the structure and permeability of the cell membrane. Silveralso leads to UV inactivation of bacteria and viruses because silverions are photoactive in the presence of UV-A and UV-C irradiation.

Antimicrobial polymers, also known as polymeric biocides, are a suitableclass of polymers for the present invention with antimicrobial activityas they have the ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms such asbacteria, fungi or protozoans. Antimicrobial agents in concentrations offrom 0.001% percent by weight to 5% percent by weight of the totalfabrication weight of material kill bacteria through different methodsdepending on the type of bacteria.

As untreated plastic articles can be attacked by microbic growth causingunsightly discoloration, unpleasant odors, and polymer degradationissues, antimicrobial additives can be incorporated within plasticresins during compounding or as a master batch during molding to providea biocide treatment to control microbes. Bio-compatible technologies inconcentrations of from 0.001% percent by weight to 5% percent by weightof the total fabrication weight of material may be employed to makeplastics and/or polymers antimicrobial with an antibacterial performanceof up to 99% within 24 hours, thereby killing germs within short orderafter contacting with contaminated surfaces. In yet another aspect,BioCote® is able to provide antimicrobial additives for plastics andpolymers of all types, and is commercially available from BioCote, Ltd.of Oxfordshire, Great Britain.

Examples

Polymers Synthesized from Antimicrobial Monomers and their AntimicrobialProperties Monomer Comparison Inhibited Microbial Antimicrobial ofPolymers Species Mechanism with Monomer

Fungus: C. Slow release of 4- The homopolymer Albicans; A. nigeramino-N-(5-methyl- is more effective 3-isoxazoly) than thebenzenesulfonamide monomer at all concentrations.

Bacteria: Gram- Tin moiety on the Copolymerization positive; Gram-polymer surface of antimicrobial negative interacts with the monomer andcell wall. styrene decreases the potency of the monomer.

Bacteria: S. Aureus; The presence of The homopolymer P. aeruginosa;benzimidazole- more E. coli; derivatives inhibit effective thancytochromeP-450 the monomer. mopnooxygenase

Bacteria: Gram- Release of — positive; Gram- norfloxacin which negativeinhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and cell growth.

Bacteria: Active agent is The homopolymer Pseudomonas 2,4,4′- andcopolymers aeruginosa; trichloro-2′- with methyl Staphylococccushydroxydiphenyl- methacrylate, ether styrene are all less effective thanthe monomer.

Bacteria; S. aurous, Active agent is Polymerization P. aeruginosa;phenol group. significantly decreases the antimicrobial activity of themonomers.

Bacteria: E-coli Direct transfer of — oxidative halogen from polymer tothe cell wall of the organism.

Bacteria: E. coli; Release of 8- The homopolymer S. aureus;hydroxyquinoline and the S. typhimurium moieties copolymers withacrylamide are both less effective than the monomer.

Bacteria: Gram- Active agent is The homopolymer postive bacteriaSulfonium salt is more effective than the corresponding model compound(p-ethylbenzyl tetramethylene sulforium tetrafluoroborate).

Bacteria: Oral Direct cationic — steptococci binding to cell wall, whichleads to the disruption of the cell wall and cell death.

Bacteria: S. aureus; Cationic biocides The monomers E-coli targets theare not active, cytoplasmic while homo- membranes; polymers showSimilarities moderate of the polymer activities pendent groups and inconcentration the lipid layer from 1 mg/mL to enhances diffusion 3.9mg/mL. into the cell wall

Bacteria: S. aureus; Membrane disruption — E. coli

Bacteria: Immobilization of — Staphlococcus; high concentrations E. coliof chlorine to enable rapid biocidal activities and the liberation ofvery low amounts of corrosive free chlorine into water

The above examples include antimicrobial monomers which are included ina preferred aspect of the invention, and may be added into the plasticresin as a master batch formulation prior to molding. As noted, lowconcentrations of the antimicrobial monomers are effective, preferablyincluded in an amount of from 1 mg to 3.9 mg per milliliter of resin.

Specifically, an additive such as Ultra-Fresh NM-100, which iscommercially available from Thomson Research Associates of TorontoOntario Canada, may be incorporated into the precursor polymericmaterial prior to form the sink unit. Ultra-Fresh NM-100 is a finecrystalline white powder used in the treatment of extruded and moldedpolymers to inhibit bacterial growth responsible for mal-odors, stainingand product degradation. Ultra-Fresh NM-100, based on Triclosan as theactive ingredient, can be incorporated into products in themanufacturing process by direct addition or through the use of a resinpellet concentrate (5%-10% Ultra-Fresh NM-100). This treatment, whenused according to recommendations, will last the lifetime of theproduct.

In a further aspect of the present invention, antimicrobial coatings maybe utilized incorporating aqueous solutions for anti-virus, anti-fungal,anti-bacterial, titanium dioxide compounds. Especially useful arenano-coatings that permanently bond to the surface of the hand sink sothat neither bacteria, viruses, and fungi attach to the surface andgrow. By “permanent” we mean that it will last the duration of theproduct or at least 3 years. Such an aqueous nano-coating is non-toxicand “kills” bacteria, fungi, and viruses on contact which is especiallyuseful for this hand sink application which is a common breeding groundfor gram negative organisms. Furthermore fragrance oils can beincorporated into the aqueous based antimicrobial coating.

It may also be desirable to incorporate fragrances into the masterbatches of the desired polymeric materials prior to manufacturing tooffer manufacturers the ability to produce scented plastic goods thatare attractive to consumers during their use. Such fragrances mayenhance the experience of hand sanitation, and provide confidence to auser that the hand sanitation station is clean, and free from viruses.Although the present invention is preferably Rotocast, the unit may alsobe blow molded, injection molded, or be made of blown or thermal films.

The method of servicing and using the sink units includes the steps ofpreliminarily filling the fresh water reservoir with 1-2 gallons ofwater and gently rocking the hand wash station back and forth to flushout any scrap material. Then, one will tip the unit up, lie it on itsend and drain water through the water fill hole. At this point the handwash station is ready to fill with fresh water. After filling, one opensthe top and places a waste container over the front lip of the unit.Liquid soap of any type is inserted into the soap reservoir by liftingtop and filling the reservoir.

After the liquid soap is inserted, water is flowed into the sink throughthe water fill hole not to exceed capacity. An overflow mark andfactory-drilled hole is located on the outside corner below the fillhole to indicate capacity.

Paper towels are inserted into the towel holder by lifting the towelholder lid, inserting towels and pulling the first towel out to get itstarted. Single, double, c-fold, or bi-fold towels may be used.

Methods for general maintenance for hose and foot pump are prescribedfor care-free use. After each use, flushing out the system with anysuitable disinfectant, preferably 1 oz. bleach to 3 gallons of waterprevents calcium or lime build-up. Pump the foot pump until you smellbleach, and then store the unit away. Before next use, flush out withfresh water.

Seasonal maintenance requires further precautions. If storing infreezing conditions, empty all water and add some sort of anti-freeze,preferably 1 gallon of RV antifreeze. Pump both foot pumps untilantifreeze comes out the faucets. Flush system with fresh water beforenext use.

In summary, numerous benefits have been described which result fromemploying any or all of the concepts and the features of the variousspecific aspects of the present invention, or those that are within thescope of the invention. The free standing anti-pathogenic handsanitation station described above acts to reduce spread of viruses anddisease for users.

The foregoing description of various preferred aspects of the inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It isnot intended to be to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possiblein light of the above teachings with regards to the specific aspects.The aspects were chosen and described in order to best illustrate theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications to therebyenable one of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the invention invarious aspects and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. An anti-pathogenic hand sanitizing station,without any need for plumbing to a central water source, comprising: afree standing anti-pathogenic sink unit having a back wall extendingvertically upward from the sink unit; a hand wash station having asupply of fresh water in communication with the free standinganti-pathogenic sink unit; a soap dispenser emanating from the back walland accessible from the hand sink; a hand sanitizer dispenser, alsoemanating vertically from back wall and also accessible from the handsink; a source for disposable towels to dry one's hand after washing;and a waste bin for disposal of disposable products.
 2. The handsanitizing station of claim 1, wherein the free-standing sink unit hasmultiple vertical sides with least one hand sanitizer dispenser ismounted thereon on its face.
 3. The hand sanitizing station of claim 1,wherein the free-standing sink unit being made of a materialconstruction made of a weatherproof thermoplastic.
 4. The handsanitizing station of claim 3, the weatherproof thermoplastics furtherincludes an antimicrobial polymeric biocides including a suitable classof polymers with antimicrobial activity having ability to inhibit thegrowth of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi or protozoans. 5.The hand sanitizing station of claim 4, wherein the antimicrobialpolymeric biocides are included in concentrations of from 0.001% percentby weight to 5% percent by weight of the total fabrication weight ofmaterial.